Pinellas County has several wonderful bicycle trails. One that I enjoy is the Ream Wilson Clearwater Trail. This trail runs East and West from the Long Center to Safety Harbor. It is especially nice in the warmer parts of the year as it is well shaded.

It has one section with a 10% grade which makes for a little challenge on the climb but an exciting ride down. It passes through several parks, disc golf courses, softball fields and on the east end runs along Bayshore Blvd to Safety Harbor where there are many shops, galleries and restaurants to enjoy. You can follow N. Bayshore Dr. up to Philippe Park with beautiful views of Old Tampa Bay.

On the west end is the Long Center and it also runs past Bright House Field the home of the Clearwater Threshers Class A and Spring Training home of the Philadelphia Phillies where you can also pick up the Progress Energy Trail.

“The latest information is that conditions remain unchanged from last week: there has been zero net movement of the bloom, which is still sitting 5-15 miles offshore of northern Pinellas County. Also, no new fish kills or respiratory issues have been reported within the past week. As such, a timetable for any possible local effects of the Red Tide is unknown due to this lack of movement and unpredictable wind/water currents.“

“According to updated FWC forecasting models, there is still no strong movement of the bloom toward the coast over the next couple days. However, at this time, given the number of variables (most notably wind and water currents), it is difficult to determine when, where—or even if—landfall would happen.”

Every September spectators turn to the water to witness the Bright House – Clearwater Super Boat National Championship & Festival. The boats, equipped with F-16 jet canopies and 6,000-horsepower engines, race at speeds of up to 180 mph in the Gulf of Mexico off Clearwater Beach. Races start from Pier 60, so the shoreline and beachfront hotels make great vantage points. This three day event is packed with activity beyond racing. Don’t miss the accompanying festivals and Baystar race village in nearby Coachman Park, where you can take photos with the boats and teams, enjoy a block party, seafood festival and listen to live entertainment.

The Pinellas County chapter of the Superior Small Lodging Association recently announced that 33 local boutique hotels have received the statewide organization’s prestigious Donal A. Dermody White Glove Award for housekeeping excellence.

While there are more than 400 hotels, motels, B&Bs, travel lodges, inns, beach houses, resorts and other hospitality destinations in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area, only 33 local boutique

hotels – or 92 percent of all local SSL members – have earned this year’s highly coveted White Glove Award.

St. Pete/Clearwater Showcases Locally-Brewed Beer
‘Where Summer Rocks’ Serves Up Week-Long Celebration of Area’s Top Breweries
St. Pete/Clearwater, FL (June 20, 2013) – Summer is rocking and some of Florida’s best beer will be flowing during Craft Beer Week in St. Pete/Clearwater as 10 brewpubs from Tarpon Springs to St. Petersburg showcase why the area is becoming a mecca for brewing aficionados.

With craft beer’s place in tourism growing with beer trails around the country, St. Pete/Clearwater is tapping into one of the hottest travel trends.
From Dunedin Brewery, Florida’s older brewery, to Rapp Brewing Company, which just earned best new brewer in Florida, here is a quick tour of some of the best breweries in the state.

“Clearwater Beach does it again — recently named Florida’s Best Beach by USA Today ! Famous for its warm shores and powder-white sands, you’ll also enjoy nightly sunset celebrations at Pier 60, up-beat nightlife and your pick of top-rated restaurants serving the area’s classic catch. Clearwater Beach was also honored as “Best For Family Fun” for its many beachside activities and sparkling water in 2011 by Fodors. St. Pete/Clearwater area beaches have earned top accolades throughout the years. Come check out why.”

With beaches and sports galore, it may be hard for some to take notice of the local fever for art, history, and education in Tampa Bay. This Weekly Yelp weaves readers in-and-out of the Bay Area’s top museums, where much of our proud history resides. Strap in and make sure your thinking caps are on tight!

A strong contender for our most-discussed museum is The Dali, and Christina C is a contributor to that stat. “This place is absolutely spectacular. We’ve been to museums in Paris, Sydney, and all over the U.S., but this is definitely one of my favorites – and not one to rush through. These paintings demand attention and contemplation of even their most subtle detail.” Does it get more glowing than that? If you consider yourself a buff of yesteryear, Paul K recommends theSt Petersburg Museum of History. He notes that here, you can find “a detailed look at St. Pete’s contributions to World War II, commercial aviation, and the simplicity of what used to be.”

Our Guests Say…

All SSL Florida accommodations are rigorously inspected every year. Only those Florida bed and breakfasts and hotels that meet the standards of SSLA are allowed to keep their SSL membership and signage. So although your Florida lodging will be unique, it will still be clean and safe.

Guests Say…

I am so excited to just see the area and the beaches. i have heard nothing but great things, and your reviews on trip advisor are amazing. i am not sure I have ever seen someone get 5 stars from everyone, that's incredible and a nod to you and your staff. — Abby, Chesapeake, VA